Ackelia Smith Of Texas Wins Long Jump, Denies Jasmine Moore Double At NCAAs
Ackelia Smith Of Texas Wins Long Jump, Denies Jasmine Moore Double At NCAAs
Ackelia Smith Of Texas rallied on her final jump to win the women's long jump, denying Florida's Jasmine Moore a chance at a jumps double at NCAAs.
AUSTIN -- Ackelia Smith Of Texas rallied on her final attempt in the opening round to stay alive and then again on her final jump to win the women's long jump title, denying Florida's Jasmine Moore a chance at a jumps double at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Mike A. Myers Stadium.
"I was like, 'This is my track, I'm not going to lose on it. My team needs the points, and I'm definitely not losing,'" Smith said.
Smith showed a flair for the dramatic twice in the competition.
After fouling her first two jumps of the competition, Smith found herself facing elimination in the third round. But the sophomore mustered a jump of 6.10m/20-10 to stay alive
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Smith improved in the third round and took the lead at 6.68m/21-11. But her advantage was short lived as Stanford freshman leaped 6.86m/22-6.25 in the fourth round to take control. Smith responded with a fifth-round jump of 6.81m/22-4.25, but remained in second. With one jump left on the season, Smith made the most of it and landed at 6.88m/22-7 for the victory.
"My coach is so proud," Smith said. "I know that for sure. He had the biggest smile on his face. I've trained here – blood, sweat, everything goes on here. So, it's an honor to actually be on this track, be here with the home fans, and just showing them what it's like to win and just giving them that relief that we can win a championship here."
ACKILIA SMITH!! A CHAMPION!!!
— NCAA Track & Field (@NCAATrackField) June 9, 2023
? ESPN+#NCAATF x @TexasTFXC pic.twitter.com/RzcQ5G6uhb
It was a rough day at the pit for Moore, who entered the meet as a title favorite in both the long and triple jumps. She was unable to get any higher in the standings than third place in any round. She registered her best mark on her final jump, getting out to 6.66m/21-10.75 but well short of the win.
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